Faults:

Purchased with extensive suspension and steering problems. These were resolved in short order. Nothing else has gone wrong.

General Comments:

The engine is a good one for a small truck. Acceleration is fine in cities, though weak when overtaking on the highway. There's no issue with hauling a few thousand pounds on a trailer or a few hundred in the bed, but forget towing large loads uphill in 5th, or even 4th gear. However, this isn't a diesel, and if you need a HD work truck then you're not reading this. All of that said, in subjective terms, I sense less torque to the 3RZ than the identically powered 3.0 V6.

The transmission is the great r151f. No complaints with this or with the strong, responsive clutch.

4lo and the electronic differential locker both function just as one expects from Toyota: fantastically.

Suspension is all aftermarket at this point, so no comment (though ARB is great, basic off-road suspension).

The rack and pinion steering is responsive, especially for a pickup, and feels almost sports car-like. The steering rack doesn't seem particularly strong, but thankfully is relatively cheap to replace.

After carefully tracking, I see 19.5/23.5 MPG (city/HWY) which bests the EPA predicted economy, even after all those miles on the odometer. Zero complaints there.

Finally, the construction quality is a step down from previous generation Toyota pickups/Hiluxes. Sheet metal gauge is thinner, and many components lack the satisfying sense of overbuilt perfection that I like in older models. Still, this first-gen of Tacomas is well-built by the standards of many other manufacturers.

At this point, in 2015, these trucks are getting older but still command quite a resale price in the US. For that reason, they are not the best '3rd car' for dump or DIY store runs -- you could spend a lot less. But, because of the powertrain reliability and the eager off-road performance, this truck is more versatile than most alternatives. The decent fuel economy even allows for tolerable commuting.

Faults:

Replaced starter, $400.

Thermostat, $120.

Battery, $120 in ten years.

Still have to fix two door latches. One on the outside rider's side and one inside the driver's side.

General Comments:

With over 204000 miles on this truck, I gave it to my daughter and she loves it. This truck still purrs like a kitten. I only used synthetic oil for the life of the truck. I changed the plugs every 20 000 miles.

I bought it for $4800 and think I could easily get that now. However I wouldn't sell it. The best truck I've ever owned in my life.

Faults:

Nothing at all. This is the greatest vehicle I've ever owned. Just keep the oil changed and it's happy.

General Comments:

I bought my 1999 Toyota Tacoma Single-Cab with 180,000 miles (pretty high-mileage) and it now has 240,000 miles. I’m still shocked that I’ve had NO maintenance issues at all, it still runs fine.

This Tacoma has been super reliable. It’s ugly and uncomfortable (basic truck), but man, it just keeps going and going.

My next car will be a Toyota (likely a Tacoma)! Wish they had the diesel Hi-Lux version of this truck in the USA!!! I would buy three.

Faults:

Starter at 110000.

Thermostat at 120000.

General Comments:

Not enough room for my tools in the cab behind the seat.

Faults:

Starter went out at 220,000 miles.

Alternator went out at 190,000 miles.

One of the two tailgate support cables snapped due to rust.

General Comments:

I have put 150,000 miles on my Tacoma since purchasing the truck with 100,000 miles on it. I pull an 18 ft Ranger bass boat that weighs nearly 2000 lbs when loaded every weekend with no problems. Several times each year I tow my boat throught the Ozark mountains, pushing my Tacoma to the requiring that I keep the gas pedal to retain speed of 70mph while going up hill.

I always take advantage of off-road opportunities when available and have never been stuck. In snow I have pulled a Chevy Silverado 4x4 out a ditch. The tacoma gives you a sense that you will never be stranded no matter the weather condition or mileage on the vehicle.